Come and Try Days - able with athletics

Home | Participant Hub | Get Involved | Able With Athletics | Events – Able with Athletics

We are excited to bring to you the Able with Athletics Come and Try Days, co-designed with our partners to provide a fun, social, and inclusive introduction to athletics for children with a disability and their families.

These welcoming days will allow participants to explore a variety of athletics disciplines as well as an opportunity to learn about classification and their pathways journey. Each activity is carefully adapted to meet the unique needs of every child, ensuring they can fully engage and enjoy being active. Families can also join in, connect with coaches and experts, and access valuable resources, making it a memorable day for all!

Upcoming Events

Please select the relevant location below to sign up. We have events coming up across more locations and details will be announced shortly.

PAST EVENTS

Frequently asked questions

Able with Athletics Come & Try Days are fun, inclusive athletics days for children and adults with a disability to experience athletics in a safe, welcoming environment. Activities include modified games and track and field events, delivered by expert coaches and focused on social connection and participation rather than competition.

Anyone with a disability aged roughly 5 to 30 years is welcome. This includes those with an intellectual, physical, sensory, developmental, or hidden disabilities such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety. Family members and support workers are encouraged to attend too.

Not at all! The activities are designed to introduce participants to athletics in a simple, fun way. No prior experience is needed.

Participants will rotate through short activity stations such as:

  • Running, jumping, and throwing games.
  • Next Athletics modified activities (target throws, obstacle relays, balance and coordination games).
  • Inclusive field events adapted for varying ability and interest levels.

Each station is run by accredited athletics coaches and supported by volunteers and disability partners.

Comfortable clothes, sneakers, a water bottle, a hat, and a big smile! Families are also welcome to bring any support tools or sensory aids that help participants feel comfortable (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, visual schedules).

Able with Athletics events include:

  • Quiet or sensory spaces to take a break
  • Visual schedules and communication cards
  • Friendly staff and trained volunteers
  • Accessible toilets and clear signage.
    (Some venues are grass ovals - please check specific event details for wheelchair access)

For specific access requirements, please reach out to us ahead of the event.

  •  

Our Come & Try Days are free to attend, thanks to support from the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) funding.

You can register online via the link provided for each event. Early registration is recommended to ensure any specific ac accommodations can be made. 

Absolutely! We encourage families, teachers, and support staff to join in, observe, or assist as needed. Their presence often helps participants feel more comfortable and confident.

Tickets Now On Sale!

Spectator tickets for the 2025 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics All Schools Championships are now available via INTIX. Purchase early and beat the event day price rise.
Buy now

Term 4 Registrations Still Open

Get involved with Next Athletics! Fun classes designed to give kids a supportive space to build essential athletics and life skills.
Register now
If you have any further questions or requirements, please contact anshul.thakran@athletics.org.au.

This project is funded under the Department of Social Services Information Linkages and Capacity Building program.

Major Partners

Member Associations

Keep up to date with the latest news

Join the community

Australian Athletics acknowledges and pays respect to all traditional custodians of the lands of which we run, jump, throw, walk and roll throughout Australia. We pay respect to elders both past, present and emerging. We are committed to a positive future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country and recognise the role and value of culture.
Copyright © 2025 Australian Athletics. All Rights Reserved.
Join the Community